Medigrow Coega

26 February 2025

Media response: Cannabiz-Africa 

In relation to the Mpondoland farmer’s issues raised. Please note the following response:

1.     Medigrow Coega was not involved in the selection process of farmers within the Eastern Cape. 

2.     Hemp farmers formed an association called the Eastern Cape Hemp Producers Association (ECHPA). 

3.     This organisation has an MOU in place with the Eastern Cape Rural Development Association (ECRDA). The ECRDA forms part of the EC Department of Agriculture. 

4.     The ECHPA approached the ECRDA for assistance to find an off-taker/buyer of their products. Medigrow was then identified to take on this role. 

5.     Medigrow invested in the Eastern Cape to process Cannabis and Hemp products and decided to outsource the growing of CBD Hemp to the ECHPA farmers under the guidance of the ECRDA.  

6.     Medigrow did not select the hemp farmers. These farmers were presented to Medigrow by the ECHPA and the ECRDA. 

7.     All parties are aware from the offset that they must, at all times, protect the landrace in the Eastern Cape.

8.     All hemp and cannabis farmers are aware of the Cannabis Belt in the Eastern Cape.

9.     Unfortunately, it has become clear that there has been a misunderstanding around the border line of the ``Cannabis Belt with some farmers.

10.  A request was made to the ECRDA and the ECHPA to remove the seeds that had been issued to any farmers within the cannabis belt as soon as the par es became aware of this situation.

11.  According to our knowledge, the CEO of the ECRDA invited the MCBA to meet to discuss the matter and an undertaking was made to have the seeds removed. 

12.  Medigrow also met with Mr Dlamini of the MCBA. The meeting was arranged by a Mr Shaad Vayej of Open Farms. The matter between the parties has been addressed and understood. 

-Mr Edgar Adams – Chief Execuive Officer

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